Diane Blevins Posted May 11, 2010 Report Share Posted May 11, 2010 Proceedings of the Board of Trustees District No. 2, Yellowstone County High School District No. 2, Yellowstone County Billings, Montana April 19, 2010 CALL TO ORDER The Regular Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana, and High School District, Yellowstone County, Montana, was duly held at The Lincoln Center, 415 North 30th Street, Billings, Montana, April 19, 2010, at 5:30 p.m. Members present included Trustees Joel Guthals, Malcolm Goodrich, Kathy Aragon (arrived at 5:35), Mary Jo Fox, Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan (arrived at 5:40), Travis Kemp, Joyce Weber, Peter Gesuale, Superintendent Jack Copps, and District Clerk Leo Hudetz. Registered guests included Chris Houser, Karen Sanford Gall, Deana Elder, Steve Pomroy, Paige Darden, O. Schlepp, M. Fugere, Connie Waggener, LaVonna Robinson, and Alex Bradley. COMMUNICATION FROM THE PUBLIC The Board recognizes the value of public comment on educational issues and the importance of listening to members of the public in its meetings. The Board also recognizes the statutory and constitutional right of the public to participate in governmental operations. The Board encourages members of the public to participate in and express opinions about issues important to the District. This part of the Board’s meeting is dedicated to public comment on any public matter that is not on the agenda of this meeting and is within the jurisdiction of the Board of Trustees. Members of the public may also address particular items on this agenda either now or at the time the Board considers the particular item. Karen Sanford Gall, Big Sky State Games, addressed the Board on the Vocational Program at the Lincoln Center. She gave her sincere thanks to the District for the students who helped the Big Sky State Games. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the agenda as presented. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNITION AND GIFTS AND DONATIONS The Board recognized the following students of Lewis & Clark: Ellen Carlson, 1st Place Yellowstone County Spelling Bee Ellen Carlson, 1st Place VFW Patriots Pen Post and District Essay Eli Sutherland, 1st Place Math Counts Regionals Gerald Giebink, 3rd Place Math Counts Regionals, 8th place State Isabella Whitworth, 5th Place Math Counts Regionals William Schuman-Kline, 3rd Place Math Counts Regionals, 3rd Place State Teachers/Coaches: Kimberly Harrington, Darlene Rector, Casey Visser Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to accept the gifts and donations with gratitude. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the gifts and donations: Arrowhead -- Julie Harman, $35 Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, $157.50 Eagle Cliffs -- Kathy Cypher, clothing Highland -- anonymous, monthly donation to library Miles Avenue -- Thomae Lumber, hammer and level Quickrete Companies, driveway sealer and gloves Billings Hardware, wheelbarrow The Base Camp, gloves, t-shirt, socks Scheels, fishing reel Buffalo Wild Wings, gift certificates Newman -- Andrea Woosun, trophies and award ribbons for spelling bee Katy McNeil, beads for art Yes We Can Billings, school supplies and clothing Ponderosa -- Billings Outlaws, 30 tickets to an Outlaws game KOA, Inc., two $25 gift certificates, pizza parties, sponsoring students at Christmas Dairy Queen Amend Park, passes to Outlaws game for 3rd graders, Outlasws flag RiverStone Health, Tar Wars presentation to 5th graders Yes We Can Billings, school supplies and clothing Sylvan Learning Center, soup lunch for staff during testing week Riverside -- Kelly Fugere, Canon printer Career Center -- sponsorship of Skills USA trip and competition A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking, $50 American Welding and Gas, $100 COP Construction, $100 Rocky Mountain Cummins, $50 The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, $250 Diversified Transfer and Storage, $50 G & J Diesel, $50 Yellowstone County Implement, $75 Montana Peterbilt, $200 Papa Murphy’s, $400 Lowe’s of Billings, $50 Angel Fund -- Dorel Hoglund and Beau Mossman, $90.27 PRESENTATION BY YES FOR KIDS Paige Darden reported that 27 people are serving on the steering committee for Yes For Kids. There are also 25 people who will serve as precinct chairmen. Over 400 volunteers are aiding the campaign to pass the elementary mill levy. There have been over 1500 yard signs given out, 40,000 postcards sent, 20,000 handwritten postcards sent, and 2,000 door hangers disseminated. SENIOR HIGH AND THE SUCCESSFUL PRACTICES NETWORK Carrie Miller, Office of Development and Advancement, reported on Senior High’s Successful Practices Network. The program is in the first year and is the only school in Montana that is a member. The aim of the program is to develop a common goal based in rigor, relevance, and relationships. Scott McCulloch, Senior High “Social Studies Teacher, reported they are doing three things that are powerful: 1) building the capacity to respond to new directions; 2) improving staff driven staff development sessions; and, 3) developing an electronic use policy and an attendance policy. Attendance days are up due to incentive days, which are based on the students meeting the policy requirements for the six-week grading period. Joe Sukut, Senior High, stated that, besides attendance improving, there has also been improvement in academics. The entire staff is involved in the process and feels empowered. Literacy initiative is an issue that is impresses on everyone involved. There is also a teacher mentoring program. Mr. Sukut reported Senior High is striving to become a model school. REPORT FROM BUDGETING FOR RESULTS COMMITTEE Trustee Guthals reported the Budgeting for Results (BFR) recent meeting was a lengthy one on April 12th. The committee reviewed the bills paid and approved them, as well as reviewed the financial reports for the quarter ending March 2010. No exceptions were found on the financial reports. BFR also reviewed the health insurance financial statements through February 2010 and did not see any variances. The committee came to the understanding that the District will be able to end the year with no deficit and would have enough in reserves and revenue to meet expenses next year. Trustee Guthals further reported the committee reviewed the quality schools project grants that are being offered through the State. The committee also reviewed the Castle Rock re-roofing project and recommended approval. Trustee Guthals reported the roof has been in constant need of repairs as one-fourth of the roof is leaking into the building. The funding will have to come out of the elementary school building fund. Trustee Guthals reported there is an on-going analysis of signage contract at Senior High and will be studied further but it will be a contract that is reasonable. Signs are the property of the school district and not the property of an individual school. Trustee Guthals reported BFR reviewed a presentation on the P-card program and the enhancements being made and increasing revenues while decreasing expenses. Also, a new contract is due for food service for the District and a request for proposal has been sent out which resulted in one bid, from Sodexho. The contract has been for a five-year period in the past. BFR did not recommend approval until after a meeting with Sodexho to improve the quality of the program. Renewal of the contract was referred to the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC). The BFR Committee also asked for COLT to conduct a survey to see if schools have any improvement ideas for the school food program. BFR discovered that a state funded high school revenue item was written off but has been added back in as the Governor does not have the authority to reduce funding to the schools which resulted in $170,000 in restored revenues for the high school district. The high school deficit was brought down to $187,000 with some savings from retirements. The numbers will be verified for the next BFR Committee meeting. Trustee Guthals stated the committee still needs to address the elementary budget. The committee will wait until after the mill levy before addressing the elementary budget. Trustee Guthals stated the committee also discussed the District warehouse and how to make improvements. It will be possible to have a purchasing network system set up with a one-day turnaround. The committee also received a report on teachers on special assignment (TOSA) and information will be reviewed as to the exact number of TOSAs on staff. Rich Whitney, Facilities Director, reported on the state quality schools grant program. The Department of Commerce has not set the deadline yet but the Board needs to approve a project list next month. The last grant received by the District was for $564,000 for projects. Projects were implemented and funds were received. It is no longer a quick start energy program. Mr. Whitney stated he saw it as an on-going process. Trustee Aragon asked that the project list go before the Energy Efficiency Innovation Committee (EEIC) to get additional feedback. Trustees Goodrich and Aragon will set up a combined meeting for BFR and the EEIC to review the projects list. Mr. Whitney reported the roofing project at Castle Rock should have been done last year but the money was not available. Temporary repairs were made to the roof over the storage area as it was leaking. Empire Roofing held their original bid over and it might be funded by the Department of Commerce. If that is not possible, the funds will come from the energy efficiency funds. BUDGET AWARD FY2009-10 The Board recognized Thomas Harper and his staff for the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials. SUPERINTENDENT SELECTION MATTERS Trustee Guthals reported that he, as well as Trustee Gesuale, is serving on a committee to work on the employment contract with the new superintendent, Dr. Beeman. The tentative concepts have been discussed and negotiations are continuing. The form of the contract, salary, terms, and certification for the State of Montana have been discussed, as well as vacation, benefits, insurance, professional memberships, equipment, mileage, moving expenses, professional development, outside activities, evaluation methodology and terms of the agreement. A working draft will be available for the new superintendent in the next several days. A final contract will come before the Board for approval. MONTHLY LEGAL REPORT Jeff Weldon, District legal counsel, reported that Bob Vogel, Montana School Board Association, talked to Dr. Beeman to inform him his contract was being developed. He reported the legal report will be down to one item next month as the District has been removed from three cases. SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM NARRATIVE David Munson, Executive Director of Special Education, reported the District is requesting that it will no longer service students 19-21 years of age starting in 2012-13. If the Board approves this request, it will be submitted to the state. Mr. Weldon reported that one of the gray areas where federal law recognizes state law is that it does not need to provide for services for students over the age of 18. No ANB funding is received for these students. If this age change were approved, the District would be compliant with federal and state law. Trustee Fox asked if money would be saved. Mr. Munson stated that was hard to determine as the number of students and the cost of education is not separated out by District. ANB funding is $150,000 a year but expenses to serve these students cannot be determined. Trustee Aragon asked how many students would be affected. Mr. Munson reported that there are 23 students in the 19-21 age bracket right now. Trustee Gesuale stated that self-contained classrooms for special education students would be a large expense for the District and the Board must face the financial realization that it does not have the money. Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Fox: Motion to approve the program narrative outline and checklist for the Billings Public Schools as included in the packet. Trustee Guthals asked if the vocational program at the Lincoln Center was closing. Mr. Munson stated it is not closing but it will be moved to the three high schools. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, and Teresa Stroebe, Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. UPDATE ON MTSBA FACILITATED STRATEGIC PLANNING Trustee Bryan reported that two meetings have been held with the third meeting to be held on Thursday. The committee has developed core values and a mission statement. Refinement will take place on Thursday with the intent for a public forum to be held. Information is on the website and information will eventually come before the Board for approval. PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Trustee Aragon stated the final meeting was held and the committee has compiled a book of results and data into a narrative. The District’s dilemma is that enrollment is flat over a large area. She stated she would like committee members to have a two-year commitment to serve. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT Superintendent Copps reported on handicapped parking. At this point, handicapped parking is being update and will be in compliance. He strongly recommended the signage contract at Senior High be referred to a policy committee. The District should not engage in any additional contracts until direction is received from the policy committee. The company has withdrawn its $15,000 for the sign. MONTANA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION UPDATE Trustee Gesuale made the following motion with a second by Trustee Guthals: Motion to approve the by-laws of the Montana School Boards Association AA Caucus. Trustee Gesuale reported the AA caucus was formed a few years ago and has been very valuable. He encouraged support for this caucus as it will be helpful in the next legislative session. Discussion was held regarding the fact that Trustee Gesuale’s term on the Billings Public Schools’ Board will end in May but his term as the Board’s delegate to MTSBA is through September. It was reported that it is not uncommon for a member to continue after his term is up on the Board. It would, however, take Board approval. Trustee Gesuale reported he would be willing to continue. He stated he would schedule a report for a future meeting. Trustee Stroebe felt it was important to have Trustee Gesuale continue for continuity. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. BILLS PAID -- MARCH 2010 Trustee Aragon made the following motion with a second by Trustee Gesuale: Motion to approve the bills paid for March 2010. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. The following are the bills paid: Claims $3,397,143.51 ACH Tax Deposits 1,708,948.98 Payroll Warrants & Direct Deposits 6,081,659.15 Procurement Card 516,307.98 EBMS ACH Payments 1,593,728.88 ECI Building Rental 3,628.25 INTERCAP Loan Network Infrastructure & Vehicle Purchases TOTAL $13,301,416.75 FINANCIAL REPORTS -- MARCH 2010 (UNAUDITED) & QUARTER ENDING MARCH 2010 (UNAUDITED) The following financial reports were received: CS101 Account Expenditure by Fund CS102 Account Receipts by Fund PERSONNEL REPORT There was nothing unusual in the Personnel Report. Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve the Superintendent’s current employment recommendations. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. CONSENT AGENDA Trustee Guthals made the following motion with a second by Trustee Aragon: Motion to approve and accept the items within the Consent Agenda without objection to recommended action. Those voting in favor were Kathy Aragon, Barbara Bryan, Mary Jo Fox, Peter Gesuale, Malcolm Goodrich, Joel Guthals, Travis Kemp, Teresa Stroebe, and Joyce Weber. The motion passed unanimously. Items approved are as follows: Regular Board Meeting Minutes, March 15, 2010 Special Board Meeting Minutes, March 29 and 30, 2010 Special Board Meeting Minutes, April 5, 2010 Budgeting for Results Committee Minutes, March 8, 2010 Planning and Development Committee Minutes, February 22, 2010 Castle Rock Middle School Reroof -- Zones 1C, 1E, 1F Addition of Rachel’s Challenge Trust Fund Account at Castle Rock Budgeting for Results Committee Member Approval As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Diane Blevins, Recorder Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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